At the Beijing Auto Show, Tarantas News journalists captured the new BMW i3 with an extended wheelbase. This electric sedan on the Neue Klasse platform features an 800-volt architecture, fast charging up to 400 kW, and an impressive range of over 1000 km according to the CLTC cycle.
At the Beijing Auto Show, Tarantas News journalists witnessed one of BMW's key premieres for the Chinese market – the new BMW i3 with an extended wheelbase. This is no longer just a compact electric car, but a full-fledged mid-size electric sedan of the new generation Neue Klasse.
The vehicle boasts a wheelbase of over 3 meters, an 800-volt architecture, charging up to 400 kW, and a claimed range of over 1000 km according to the CLTC cycle. BMW positions the new i3 as a model specifically developed to meet the demands of Chinese consumers.
Elegant design and hidden technologies
The presented photos clearly show a cleaner and more technological appearance of the car. It features a low sedan silhouette, a nearly fully closed front end, and a glowing interpretation of the signature "kidneys."
The new lighting graphics are designed in the style of a "digital angel wing," while radars and cameras are cleverly hidden in the front light zone. This solution allows the electronics to not disrupt the harmonious exterior design.
Space and comfort for passengers
An important feature of this version is the extended wheelbase, which, as BMW emphasizes, exceeds 3 meters. This means that the car will be noticeably more spacious in the rear compared to classic mid-size sedans of previous generations.
For the Chinese market, this is critically important, as buyers here often view electric vehicles not only as transport for the driver but also as a comfortable means of transportation for rear-seat passengers.
New philosophy of the electric vehicle
The main difference between the new BMW i3 and its old namesake model lies in the philosophy itself. While the previous i3 was an experimental urban hatchback with an unusual body, the new version has become a full-fledged electric sedan built on the Neue Klasse architecture.
At its core is the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, a new large cylindrical battery, and a global 800-volt electric platform. This ensures outstanding performance and efficiency.
Impressive specifications and fast charging
According to BMW, the range of the long-wheelbase i3 version exceeds 1000 km according to the CLTC cycle. The maximum charging power reaches 400 kW, allowing for approximately 400 km of range to be replenished in just 10 minutes according to the same Chinese cycle.
A separate emphasis is placed on the energy recovery system. In most everyday scenarios, the car will decelerate through energy recovery, reducing the load on the mechanical brakes and significantly increasing overall efficiency.
Digital cabin and intelligent assistants
The interior of the new BMW i3 embodies the brand's new digital strategy. The car is equipped with BMW Panoramic iDrive featuring a panoramic display in the driver's line of sight, a central screen, and an innovative 3D projection interface.
The main idea is to minimize driver distraction from the road, with all key data within their natural field of vision. For the Chinese market, the system has been deeply localized.
It integrates BMW AutoNavi maps, a digital key, and a connection with Huawei HarmonyOS. The intelligent personal assistant BMW utilizes the capabilities of Alibaba and DeepSeek, offering advanced features.
A Level 2 driver assistance system has also been announced, developed with the involvement of Momenta and adapted for Chinese roads. It provides a unified "point-to-point" logic for city, highway, and parking scenarios.
The future in the Chinese market
The new BMW i3 LWB promises to become one of the most significant electric novelties from BMW for China. The model is expected to hit the market in the second half of 2026.
It will occupy the niche of mid-size premium electric sedans, where its closest competitors will be the Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, Zeekr 007, Nio ET5, and Luxeed S7. These models have already accustomed Chinese buyers to a large range, fast screens, and advanced assistants.
